Revolutionary Nativism

"Maggie Clinton's book, written in luminous prose, succeeds brilliantly in embedding the development of 1920s and 1930s Chinese right-wing nativist thought and practice in complex domestic and global milieus. Weaving together discussions of culture critique and nativist defense, of political consolidation and economic upheaval, as well as of military strategy and ordinary violence, Revolutionary Nativism reveals the grassroots sources and everyday appeal of fascist social analysis and activism. A compelling account with deep resonance for our contemporary moment." - Rebecca E. Karl, New York University

"An important contribution, Revolutionary Nativism shows how a strain of fascism in early twentieth-century China attempted to mold a vast and preindustrial country into a modern nation-state. Maggie Clinton tells this story with critical insight and historical sympathy, helping to enrich our understanding of fascism in China and central issues in Chinese modernity." - Xiaobing Tang, author of Chinese Modern: The Heroic and the Quotidian

"Historian Clinton offers an insightful analysis of what she sees as China’s fascist movement after the ascendance of Chiang Kai-shek in the political arena. Highly recommended."  - P. F. Shan, Choice

“A thought-provoking study that raises new questions.” - Anna Belogurova, Pacific Affairs

Revolutionary Nativism is persuasive and well written, and challenges us to rethink the political culture of interwar China. . . . A must-read not only for scholars of Chinese history, but also for those wanting to understand the workings of fascism in a transnational perspective." - Reto Hofmann, Journal of Asian Studies

"Maggie Clinton has opened up an important new strand in our understanding of the political and intellectual history of 20th-century China. Revolutionary Nativism is a powerful book that will shape debates for years to come." - Rana Mitter, The China Quarterly

"Fascinating and intriguing. . . . Revolutionary Nativism is an important contribution not only for taking fascism in East Asia seriously, but also for making us rethink the role of state led modernity via moralization of the everyday." - Marc Andre Matten, International Journal of Asian Studies